Kevlar timing belt tensioning question
01-10-2019, 11:27 AM
#16
Racer
I had a tensioner roller disintegrate and take the valves out. The belts got tangled up but otherwise didn't shred. Keep oil off of them and they'll last the prescribed time/mileage.
01-10-2019, 01:36 PM
#18
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
For me, I got a great deal on this kevlar belt. I normally just run the normal rubber belts. I'm very meticulous about maintenance (rollers and WP every belt change and all new hardware) so I don't imagine I am being let down by a rubber belt. If the price is ignored, what is the argument against using a kevlar belt? Saying that the original style is fine is not an argument against it. The only thing I can think of is price.... it's still under $100 normally so I don't think it's anything to get worked up over.
01-10-2019, 02:00 PM
#19
Nordschleife Master
I doubt there are any arguments against using it except price. Is it any better than rubber, probably not, but as bw993 noted maybe a more modern composite compound provides better chemical, heat or ozone resistance, sounds feasible but idk and I doubt anyone is going to do a technical analysis to prove it. I’m just a tad skeptical when they make things out of carbon fiber or Kevlar and say that they are better than the things they are replacing simply because of the material they are made off.
01-10-2019, 02:41 PM
#20
Rainman
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
they're not making 944 belts out of the same exact compound as they were in 1982.
they're making them out of the same stuff as every other timing belt on the market, today.
Gates/Conti/whoever else make belt "stock" with the standard tooth profile/pitch (round or square tooth, 8mm or 3/8" spacing, for the most part), and bind the ends to make belts the right length/number of teeth, and just slit that stock into the right widths.
little bit of salt, pepper, and vinegar, and you have a timing belt for a 944, or a Camry.
they're making them out of the same stuff as every other timing belt on the market, today.
Gates/Conti/whoever else make belt "stock" with the standard tooth profile/pitch (round or square tooth, 8mm or 3/8" spacing, for the most part), and bind the ends to make belts the right length/number of teeth, and just slit that stock into the right widths.
little bit of salt, pepper, and vinegar, and you have a timing belt for a 944, or a Camry.
01-10-2019, 02:56 PM
#21
Racer
If the benefit of using Kevlar was extended belt changes I would consider using one. So a rubber balance shaft,timing belt runs around $50 (approximately) plus shipping, the Kevlar is over $100 and do they make a Kevlar balance shaft belt? That'll be $200! Kevlar needs to last at least 3 plus belt changes in my book. Then there is the rollers...some change them at every belt change, I change mine every other belt change. So maybe the Kevlar is over kill as these cars age.